** click the title to visit the website**
First, our absolute favorites that require no explanation and must be visited. Period.
now on to other good stuff . . .
If you are looking for something delicious that won't break the bank, or want to have a little culinary adventure while you're in town, check out Saigon Express on State Street.
John's Favorite: Rare Beef Pho
Rachel's Favorite: Charbroiled Lemongrass Chicken with Rice
Ok confession time. We have never actually done the entire Urban Wine Trail (or instead of walking down the aisle you might find me passed out in the street somewhere).
But it is on our list of things to guzzle accomplish in 2012.
Suggestions: Jaffurs Syrah is absolutely amazing. And if you stop by Oreana try their Pinot Noir.
*Secret Tip* If you are cheap and don't want to go to Oreana, you can pick up a bottle of their Pinot Noir at Trader Joe's under the name Mission Point Pinot Noir. Also the house red at Opal restaurant is Jaffurs!
Head over to Roy for delicious food, great ambiance, and great prices! With a mid century mod vibe, the dim lighting and strong drinks will put you in the mood for a good time! Check out their art for sale, it's hanging on the wall right next to your dinner plate. Also, their fresh bread is to die for.
Rachel's Favorite: Chicken Marsala with Potato Latkes
John's Favorite: Anything steak related
The morning after you attempt The Urban Wine Trail you might find yourself in need of a hangover cure hearty breakfast. Eat well at Esau's, our favorite place to breakfast downtown.
John's Favorite: Crunchy Corn Flakes French Toast
Rachel's Favorite: Joe's Scrambler, hold the sour cream, add avocado.
For a great place to hang out as a group (it's also kid friendly) and enjoy some casual fare and good beer, check out Santa Barbara Brewing Company. They have a great happy hour, and if the front restaurant area is busy, head to the back and check out the lounge, there's always plenty of room.
John's Favorite: Santa Barbara Burger
Rachel's Favorite: Ahi Tuna Wrap
Brophy Brothers is the place to be if you are looking to enjoy good seafood while relaxing seaside! Located at the harbor, Brophy Brothers has wonderful ocean views and is another great place for groups. Heads up they don't take reservations, and there can be a bit of a wait. But just relax downstairs where they have a "tasting room" of sorts where you can grab an appetizer and drink while you wait.
Remember to try: Oysters Rockefeller, yum!
Santa Barbara's temperate weather allows us to enjoy some great locally grown produce & flowers. Relax Saturday morning before the wedding by heading over to where Santa Barbara & Cota St. intersect to check out the Downtown farmers market. Not just produce, but non-perishables like honey, nuts and preserves mean you can pick something up for the trip home! And if you can't make Saturday's market, just check the website, we have one nearby every day of the week!
If you are a fromage-o-phile like me, you must taste a bit of heaven over at C'est Cheese. It's fabulous whether you're looking for an assortment to enjoy on a picnic (which you should, picnic that is, at Alice Keck Park--it's amazingly beautiful!) or if you want a truly affordable lunch, we're talking yummy $5 grilled cheese sandwiches here.
John & Rachel's Favorite C'est Cheeses: Prima Donna, & Cowgirl Creamery's Mt. Tam